Sunday, September 2, 2007

Computer Safety

Many people now use computers, or Visual Display Units (VDUs), as part of their normal working routines. Working with VDUs does pose unique health and safety issues that must be addressed by both employers and employees to ensure that using such equipment does not affect a person's health or safety.

Where problems do occur when working with VDUs, it is often as a result of how the equipment is used rather than the equipment itself. It is also a fact that a VDU operator working in a comfortable and adjustable workstation is more productive and efficient.

Incorrect use of VDUs can affect people’s health in the following ways:

* Eyesight problems, including headaches, caused by screen glare, straining to look at VDU screens for long periods, and monitors incorrectly positioned, i.e. too far away or too close for comfortable viewing.

* Increased levels of stress are often reported by VDU users and this can usually be attributed to an increased pace of work.

* Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI) is a commonly-used term that refers to aches, pains and disorders suffered as a result of prolonged use of badly-adjusted VDU equipment. A more accurate term for this problem is Upper Limb Disorders (ULDs). Usually these disorders do not last for long periods but in a few cases they may become persistent or even disabling.

The first step in ensuring VDU safety is for employers to assess all VDU workstations to evaluate safety and health conditions. Such assessments are a legal requirement under regulations and should include all staff that habitually use VDU equipment. An assessment of a VDU workstation should include the following areas:

The Workstation

The ability for VDU operators to work in a comfortable position is important. The chair should be adjustable (both for height and back support) and enable the operator’s forearms to be approximately horizontal with the VDU at the same height as the eyes.

* An adjustable footrest should be provided to avoid excessive pressure on the legs from the edge of the seat.

* The work area should be large enough to take whatever documents or other equipment is needed.

* The operator should be able to adjust the arrangement of the keyboard and mouse to find and maintain a comfortable and convenient position. Often a space in front of the keyboard is useful for resting the hands and wrists.

The Environment

* The monitor should be situated so as to avoid glare or bright reflections; and a position where neither the operator nor screen directly faces windows or bright lights is preferable. Blinds or curtains on windows can also aid in reducing screen glare.

* The monitor itself should be adjustable for brightness and contrast to suit lighting conditions and be maintained in a clean condition to aid vision. The monitor should not flicker or move; if it does then the equipment may need servicing or adjustment.

The Operator

* VDU operators should not maintain the same posture for long periods and a certain amount of movement is desirable. Most VDU work also involves a certain amount of other work such as filing, photocopying and similar duties. VDU operators should try and avoid long periods of VDU-only work and intersperse this work with their other duties. As a general rule for every hour of VDU work, a 5-10 minute period of non-VDU work, within that hour, would be considered satisfactory.

* If a workstation is shared then it is important that each operator be allowed to carry out individual adjustments to the workstation to find and maintain a comfortable work position. Employers should allow the operator sufficient time for them to carry out these adjustments that may take a few minutes at most.

The Software

* When choosing software for PCs and VDUs, consideration should be given as to whether it allows font colour and size adjustments so that operators can choose a scheme and size that suits their eyesight and conditions in which they work. Most modern software does allow this and staff should be encouraged to try different schemes to find the most appropriate one for them.

Further guidance and information on VDU use is available from your local authority, Environmental Health Department or the HSE.

5 safety tips for using a public computer

Don't save your logon information. Always log out of Web sites by clicking "log out" on the site. It's not enough to simply close the browser window or type in another address.

Many programs (especially instant messenger programs) include automatic login features that will save your user name and password. Disable this option so no one can log in as you.
Step 2

Don't leave the computer unattended with sensitive information on the screen. If you have to leave the public computer, log out of all programs and close all windows that might display sensitive information.
Step 3

Erase your tracks. Web browsers such as Internet Explorer keep a record of your passwords and every page you visit, even after you’ve closed them and logged out.

To disable the feature that stores passwords
Before you go to the Web, turn off the Internet Explorer feature that "remembers" your passwords.

1. In Internet Explorer, click Tools, and then click Internet Options.

2. Click the Content tab, and then click AutoComplete.

3. Click to clear both check boxes having to do with passwords.

To delete your temporary Internet files and your history
When you finish your use of a public computer, you should delete all the temporary files and your Internet history.

1. In Internet Explorer, click Tools, and then click Internet Options.

2. On the General tab, under Temporary Internet files, click Delete Files, and then click Delete Cookies.

3. Under History, click Clear History.

To delete other files saved by corporate portals, such as Sharepoint Portal Server
If you're using a corporate Web site that allows you to view internal corporate documents, you may be inadvertently storing sensitive documents on the public computer.

1. Delete all the files in the temporary folder of your user account which you can find by browsing to C:\Documents and Settings\username\Local Settings\Temp.

2. If your company uses Microsoft Office SharePoint Portal Server, empty the temporary folder (My Documents\SharePoint Drafts).

Step 4

Watch for over-the-shoulder snoops. When you use a public computer, be on the look out for thieves who look over your shoulder or watch as you enter sensitive passwords to collect your information.
Step 5

Don't enter sensitive information into a public computer. These measures provide some protection against casual hackers who use a public computer after you have.

But keep in mind that an industrious thief might have installed sophisticated software on the public computer that records every keystroke and then e-mails that information back to the thief.

Then it doesn't matter if you haven't saved your information or if you've erased your tracks. They still have access to this information.

If you really want to be safe, avoid typing your credit card number or any other financial or otherwise sensitive information into any public computer.

Saturday, September 1, 2007

How to Keep the Hottest Products of the Season Cool All Year Long

To promote safe use of gaming devices the CPSC offers the following tips:

* Read the owners manual for information on how to install and use the gaming device.
* Do not place the system on soft surfaces, such as a bed, sofa or carpeting that can block ventilation openings.
* Do not place the system in confined areas, such as an entertainment unit, bookcase or rack, unless the space is well ventilated.
* Do not install the system near heat sources, such as heat registers, radiators or heaters.
* Do not overload electrical sockets with too many devices.
* Do not expose the system to extreme heat or cold.
* Keep the system on a level surface.
* Turn the system off when not in use.
* Unplug the system in the event of storms or severe weather.
* Never use a game system with a damaged power supply cord.
* Only use attachments that are specified as compatible by the manufacturer.

CPSC Reminds Parents to Keep Trick-or-Treaters Safe this Halloween

Costumes

* When purchasing costumes, masks, beards and wigs, look for flame-resistant fabrics such as nylon or polyester, or look for the label "Flame Resistant." Flame-resistant fabrics will resist burning and should extinguish quickly. To minimize the risk of contact with candles and other fire sources, avoid costumes made with flimsy materials and outfits with big, baggy sleeves or billowing skirts.
* Purchase or make costumes that are light, bright and clearly visible to motorists.
* For greater visibility during dusk and darkness, decorate or trim costumes with reflective tape that will glow in the beam of a car's headlights. Bags or sacks also should be light colored or decorated with reflective tape. Reflective tape is usually available in hardware, bicycle and sporting goods stores.
* Children should carry flashlights to see and be seen.
* Costumes should fit well and not drag on the ground to guard against trips and falls.
* Children should wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes. Oversized high heels are not a good idea.
* Tie hats and scarves securely to prevent them from slipping over children's eyes and obstructing vision.
* If your child wears a mask, make sure it fits securely, provides adequate ventilation, and has eye holes large enough to allow full vision.
* Swords, knives and similar costume accessories should be made of soft, flexible materials.

Treats

* Warn children not to eat any treats until an adult has examined them carefully for evidence of tampering.
* Carefully examine any toys or novelty items received by trick-or-treaters under three years of age. Do not allow young children to have any items that are small enough to present a choking hazard or that have small parts or components that could separate during use and present a choking hazard.

Decorations

* Keep candles and Jack O' Lanterns away from landings and doorsteps where costumes could brush against the flame.
* Remove obstacles from lawns, steps and porches when expecting trick-or-treaters.
* Indoors, keep candles and Jack O' Lanterns away from curtains, decorations and other combustibles that could catch fire. Do not leave burning candles unattended.
* Indoors or outside, use only lights that have been tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory. Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Discard damaged sets.
* Don't overload extension cords.

CPSC Warns Of Hazards from Furnaces, Space Heaters and Fireplaces

Space heater tips:

* Place the heater on a level, hard and nonflammable surface (such as ceramic tile floor), not on rugs or carpets or near bedding or drapes. Keep the heater at least three feet from bedding, drapes, furniture and other flammable materials. Keep children and pets away from space heaters.

* To prevent the risk of fire, NEVER leave a space heater on when you go to sleep or place a space heater close to any sleeping person. Turn the space heater off if you leave the area.

* Use a space heater that has been tested to the latest safety standards and certified by a nationally-recognized testing laboratory. These heaters will have the most up-to-date safety features; older space heaters may not meet the newer safety standards. An unvented gas space heater that meets current safety standards will shut off if oxygen levels fall too low.

* Make sure your heater is correctly rated for your home. An oversized heater could deplete the available oxygen, causing excess carbon monoxide to be produced. Keep a window in the room open at least one inch and keep doors open to the rest of the house to ensure proper ventilation. This helps prevent pollutant build-up and promotes proper combustion.

* Follow the manufacturer's instructions to provide sufficient combustion air to prevent carbon monoxide production.

* Have gas and kerosene space heaters inspected annually to ensure proper operation.

* Do not use a kitchen range or oven to heat your house because it could overheat or generate excessive carbon monoxide.

* Be aware that manufactured homes require specially-designed heating equipment.

* Do not use unvented gas space heaters where prohibited by local codes.

* Have a smoke alarm with fresh batteries on each level of the house, inside every bedroom, and outside the bedrooms in each sleeping area. In addition, have a carbon monoxide alarm outside the bedrooms in each separate sleeping area.

Fireplace safety tips:

* Have flues and chimneys inspected before each heating season for leakage and blockage by creosote or debris.

* Open the fireplace damper before lighting the fire and keep it open until the ashes are cool. Never close the damper or go to bed if the ashes are still warm. An open damper may help prevent build-up of poisonous gases inside the home.

* Never use gasoline, charcoal lighter or other fuel to light or relight a fire because the vapors can explode. Never keep flammable fuels or materials near a fire. Never store flammable liquids in your home.

* Never use charcoal in a fireplace because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

* Keep a screen or glass enclosure around a fireplace to prevent sparks or embers from igniting flammable materials.

CPSC and USFA Sound Carbon Monoxide Alarm

January and February are prime months for winter weather-related power outages," said Acting CPSC Chairman Nancy Nord. "Tragically people are dying from carbon monoxide poisoning while trying to keep warm. Don't let this invisible killer into your home."

"The U.S. Fire Administration is pleased to join with the CPSC in sounding a national carbon monoxide alarm," said Acting U.S. Fire Administrator Charlie Dickinson. "There is no group of men and women in this nation that are as keenly aware of the deadliness of carbon monoxide, than firefighters. During times of lost power, it is our nation's firefighters who respond to the sad results of carbon monoxide poisoning when people use gas generators, camp stoves and charcoal grills in confined spaces. The USFA joins with all firefighters in reminding all residents of this nation to follow the CPSC recommendations below to protect themselves against exposure to carbon monoxide."

Carbon monoxide is an odorless and colorless poisonous gas. CPSC estimates about 140 people die each year from unintentional exposure to carbon monoxide associated with consumer products.

Consumers die when they improperly use gas generators, charcoal grills, and fuel-burning camping heaters and stoves inside their homes or in other enclosed or partially-enclosed spaces during power outages. They also die when furnaces that have not been professionally and annually inspected leak CO. CPSC staff is aware through police, medical examiner and news reports of at least 32 CO deaths related to portable generators from October 1 through December 31, 2006.

Reducing CO poisonings and deaths is a priority at CPSC. Yesterday, in an effort to stop consumers from using gasoline generators indoors, the Commission voted to require manufacturers to place a prominent "danger" label on all new generators and their packaging.

CPSC and USFA urge consumers to take these important steps to protect themselves against CO poisoning this winter.

* Never use portable generators inside homes or garages, even if doors and windows are open. Use generators outside only, far away from the home.
* Never bring a charcoal grill into the house for heating or cooking. Do not barbeque in the garage.
* Never use a gas range or oven for heating.
* Open the fireplace damper before lighting a fire and keep it open until the ashes are cool. An open damper may help prevent build-up of poisonous gases inside the home.
* Have home heating systems (including chimneys and vents) inspected and serviced annually by a trained service technician.
* Install battery-operated CO alarms or CO alarms with battery backup in your home outside separate sleeping areas.
* Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning: headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, and confusion. If you suspect CO poisoning, get outside to fresh air immediately, and then call 911.

CPSC Urges Parents to Help Children Avoid Injuries As They Head Back to School

Parents and school officials should also look for hidden hazards on playgrounds and on soccer fields that could sideline children with injuries or may even be deadly.

CPSC offers the following ABCs of back-to-school safety:

A Always wear the right helmet for the activity.

Wearing a helmet significantly reduces the risk of a head injury and can save your child’s life. Bicycle helmets, for instance, can reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 85 percent.

There are different helmets for different activities. Each type of helmet is made to protect the head from the impacts that are common to a particular sport or activity. For the best protection, make sure your child wears the right helmet whether it’s for biking, football or baseball.

Fit is important. A helmet should be comfortable and snug, level on the head and securely buckled so it doesn’t move or fall off during a fall or collision.

For more information on helmet safety, go to CPSC’s publication “Which Helmet for Which Activity” at www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/349.pdf

B Be safe on the playground and on the soccer field.

Hidden hazards can lurk on the playground or sports field. More than 200,000 children each year visit hospital emergency rooms due to injuries received on playgrounds.

To prevent the most common type of playground injury -- a child falling from equipment -- make sure there is at least a nine inch layer of shock absorbing surface material made of wood chips, mulch, sand, or pea gravel, or safety-tested rubber or fiber material mats underneath and around playground equipment.

Cover exposed hardware that can catch clothing, and remove any free-hanging ropes. Both are strangulation hazards.

On the soccer field, work with your school to ensure portable soccer goals are securely anchored when in use. Movable soccer goals can fall over and kill or injure children who climb on them or hang from the crossbar. Since 1979, CPSC has reports of at least 28 deaths associated with soccer goals.

C Care with clothing and art materials.

Don’t buy jackets or sweatshirts, or any upper outerwear for children, if they have hood or neck drawstrings. Remove drawstrings from hoods or around the necks of jackets and sweatshirts in your children’s closets. Drawstrings pose a strangulation hazard because they can get caught on playground equipment or other products. Over the past 20 years, CPSC has received reports of 23 deaths and 64 non-fatal incidents involving the entanglement of children’s clothing drawstrings.